Credit: ADEM
On Wednesday 29 October 2025, in the presence of Luxembourg Minister of Labour, Georges Mischo, and the Representative of the European Commission in Luxembourg, Anne Calteux, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), presented the ‘Skills4Job’ project together with ADEM and the House of Training, the partners responsible for the project’s operational implementation.
The Ministry of Labour reported that the current programme, Investing in the Future, covering the 2021–2027 programming period, supports and complements Luxembourg’s policies aimed at ensuring equal opportunities, equal access to the labour market, fair and high-quality working conditions and social protection and inclusion. It adds value to these policies with a particular focus on inclusive, high-quality education and training, lifelong learning, investment in childhood and youth and access to basic services. The programme will also support the green and digital transitions and aid those most in need, including children at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
In practical terms, the ESF+ finances projects carried out by local actors (public and private organisations) that work to improve citizens’ skills, facilitate access to the labour market and reduce inequalities. These projects are co-funded by the European Union and the Luxembourg State.
The ministry noted that thanks to the ESF+, many projects have come into being, including training courses for jobseekers, integration programmes for young people or disadvantaged groups, support for people with disabilities, initiatives promoting gender equality and social and solidarity economy projects.
The ministry said: “The ESF+ contributes to building a more inclusive society and preparing Luxembourg’s citizens for the challenges of tomorrow’s labour market.”
According to Article 2, paragraph 5, of the Common Provisions Regulation [CPR (EU) 2021/1060], a Strategic Importance Operation refers to a project that is particularly significant for achieving the objectives of a European programme. Such projects are closely monitored and receive special communication to highlight their results.
A project may be regarded as strategic for several reasons, for example:
• it brings about lasting change to a system or a method (structural impact);
• it introduces innovation or a new approach;
• it has a strong influence on the economy, whether at national, regional or local level;
• it has an exceptional or exemplary character;
• it reaches a large number of people or a specific key audience;
• or it represents a major financial investment.
In summary, a Strategic Importance Operation is a flagship, visible and innovative project with measurable impact, playing a key role in the success of a European programme.
The ministry stated that the ‘Skills4Job’ project holds a significant place within the Employment and Skills axis of the Investing in the Future programme. It stands out for several reasons:
• a strong mission focused on developing skills and promoting professional inclusion, in line with the national employment and skills strategy;
• an innovative character through the combination of flexible group training and individual personalised support;
• a broad reach, with nearly 850 participants supported between 2022 and 2026;
• a financial envelope of €2,900,000 (including €1,070,000 from the ESF+), illustrating the project’s scale and importance;
• a clear European dimension showing how EU support enables public and private actors to work together towards a common goal: strengthening skills, fostering inclusion and supporting employment in Luxembourg.
The ‘Skills4Job’ project originated from ADEM’s initiative within its ADEM 2025 strategy, in particular its objective to enhance the employability of jobseekers and employees. Developed in partnership with the House of Training, this project illustrates a sustainable collaboration between public and private stakeholders. ADEM leads the initiative: it selects participants, validates their professional projects and finances tailored training courses. The House of Training ensures the educational coordination and operational implementation of the programme. The finalised project is the outcome of long-term cooperation between ADEM and the House of Training. ADEM oversees the initiative, including participant selection, validation of professional projects and funding of customised training. The House of Training manages the educational coordination and operational delivery.
‘Skills4Job’ targets jobseekers aged 30 and above, in receipt of benefits, who already have professional experience but whose skills require updating or redirection (upskilling or reskilling). The strategic objective of the project is to develop targeted skills currently in short supply in the labour market, thereby bringing jobseekers closer to real opportunities and addressing the national skills gap.
The project’s participant objectives include:
• (re)defining a career project aligned with labour-market needs;
• identifying whether to upgrade (upskill) or change (reskill) one’s professional skills;
• strengthening or acquiring transversal, digital and technical skills to enhance employability.
To achieve these goals, Skills4Job combines several approaches:
• a collective Cross-Skills training programme focused on transferable skills directly applicable to professional reintegration, such as communication, collaboration, digital skills and AI;
• a blended format requiring personal investment of 4 to 5 half-days per week over 6 weeks, including autonomous work (e-learning modules and inter-session tasks) and in-person workshops;
• individual coaching with flexible objectives and organisation adapted to the participant’s personal needs;
• the opportunity to develop a personalised training plan following completion of the Skills4Jobprogramme.
Sessions are offered in French and English at regular intervals since the pilot phase, which began in September 2022.
Since its launch:
• 16 sessions lasting between 6 and 8 weeks have taken place;
• approximately 570 participants have benefited from the programme;
• 86 per cent chose the upskilling pathway and 14 per cent the reskilling pathway;
• 54 per cent of participants have returned to employment, 94 per cent of whom following upskilling.
The ministry said: “The Skills4Job project demonstrates how a flexible, individualised and market-driven approach can promote sustainable professional reintegration while addressing Luxembourg’s current and future skills needs.”
